FA Cup - supporter guidance for Leeds match
Sunday afternoon’s FA cup match against Leeds United has all the potential to be an intense, closely fought tie.
In these complicated times, we are living with a reinvigorated COVID-19 virus thanks to the Omicron variant and we have moved to the restrictions under the Government’s Plan B. This has implications for all match goers.
Combined with 8,500 Leeds United fans and a lively rivalry, we felt we should speak with those in charge of making sure Sunday afternoon goes smoothly.
On 29th December, members of West Ham United Supporters’ Trust Board met with representatives from the Metropolitan Police including the match commander, West Yorkshire Police, West Ham United, LS185, and Leeds United Supporters Club to discuss plans for the game.
There is some important information to pass on ahead of the match:
TIMINGS
As a result of the recent decision not to hold replays in the third and fourth round of this season's FA Cup competition, extra-time and penalties will now be applicable for this match, so ITV asked for the kick-off to be brought forward by 15 minutes to 2:00pm.
COVID CHECKS
Testing
First and foremost, it is now compulsory to show proof of either double vaccination OR a negative lateral flow test in order to gain entry to the stadium.
Any supporter unable to show either their vaccination status or confirmation of a negative test when asked to do so will be turned away from the ground.
Please take it upon yourself to have either of these ready, or proof of a valid medical exemption if applicable. WHUFC is extremely clear as to what constitutes proof, so please check the list on their Hammers Hub Covid section.
https://www.whufc.com/club-foundation/fans/hammers-hub/covid19-status-guidance
Declaration form
All ticket holders will also have been asked to complete a declaration form:
Please make sure this is completed in good time ahead of the match.
There will be increased spot checks and clubs are now required to refuse entrance to any fan unable to show their status. This is not a WHUFC decision or choice. It is now a legal requirement, so please work with the COVID marshalls to make the best of a difficult situation.
Face coverings
Please note you are required by law to wear a face covering when indoors and in crowded, enclosed areas within the stadium unless you have a recognised exemption according to Government guidelines.
You may remove your face covering in order to eat and drink. It is also strongly advised that supporters wear a face covering when seated in the stadium bowl.
Leeds United will be bringing a team of their own stewards to the game who will be on hand to answer any queries from visiting fans regarding COVID checks.
Remember:
Test Declaration Face covering
TRANSPORT AND ROAD CLOSURES
At the time of writing, there is engineering work planned on the Leeds main line into Kings Cross with no direct trains operating on that day. Underground and Overground lines should be operating as normal with no planned closures or service reductions.
However, fans are strongly urged to check routes before leaving for the match and to be wary of last-minute service cancellations should COVID cases result in a shortage of drivers and other key staff.
Supporters are also reminded that the London Stadium is served by several stations, with the nearest being Stratford, Stratford International and Hackney Wick. Please check alternative routes for leaving should there be subsequent issues with their arrival route.
With 8,500 travelling supporters, there are going to be some logistical problems with transport. Based on the number of booked coaches and with no direct trains, it is estimated that there will be over 4,000 away fans travelling by car.
You are advised not to park at Westfield and to park at stations further out and complete your journey by train/tube. With at least 1,000 cars coming from the North of England, not knowing any of the other local parking spots, Westfield car parks are going to be fairly chaotic.
Mountfichet Road, Westfield Avenue and roads around Pudding Mill Lane DLR will be closed to traffic from 11:00am, 3 hours ahead of KO. The Controlled Parking Zone will also be in place.
POLICING AND STEWARDING
This has been classified as a High-Risk match by both the Metropolitan Police and the British Transport Police. Consequently, there will be an increased steward presence inside the stadium. There will also be a police presence inside the stadium to handle any flashpoints.
The Met will be utilising horses and dogs on the stadium footprint.
WHUFC response team supervisors will be wearing body cameras to protect both the stewarding staff and supporters inside the stadium.
There are no specific plans to escort Leeds United fans to the stadium, but the police will react to the circumstances on the day.
WHUFC stewards and Met police will provide as much information on the ground as possible for supporters unsure of the best way to reach their entrance.
Leeds United has an allocation of 8,500 tickets for this match: around 14% of stadium capacity:
Away fans will be located in the entire Sir Trevor Brooking stand - both lower and upper tiers.
An extended segregation line will be in place between the away allocation and West Ham supporters, which will be operated by double the number of stewards initially with the option to include police, if necessary.
Alcohol will be served, as usual throughout the stadium. Prior to the match “Pie and a Pint” (or soft drink) deals will be available until 13:30, providing there are no incidents of anti-social behaviour.
TICKETING
In WHUFC safety briefings, we have been assured that stewards will be reminded of the need to refuse access to any fan visibly wearing Leeds United colours in home areas and also to remove away fans drawing attention to themselves in home areas throughout the match.
This will be cascaded down through the stewards' briefings to ensure front line staff are fully aware of process and procedure.
PUBS
All local pubs welcome Home fans only, and all will be operating usual Sunday licensing hours.
EGRESS
After the match, the away fans area on the island will be fenced off covering the whole of the Sir Trevor Brooking Stand. This means that there will be no access to the Stadium Store after the match.
We hope Sunday afternoon is a New Year cracker for us and that the match goes off without incident off the pitch, but of course we expect plenty of on-pitch action!
If you do experience any difficulties at the game, please speak with your closest steward initially or text the Stadium Reporting Line on 078600 404 069 with details of the behaviour and location. Full details on the line INSERT WHU info.
https://www.london-stadium.com/plan-your-visit/safety-and-security.html
They’ll be able to provide on-the-spot assistance. You can also email us on info@whust.org or tweet using our Twitter handle @whust_whufc and we will do our best to respond swiftly.
COYI
WHUST Board